asked the Minister for Lands what action has been taken towards the acquisition of the Coleman estate in the townlands of Curry and Lickbla, County Westmeath, for forestry purposes and for the relief of congestion.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of Meath Estate.
The Coleman estate in County Westmeath comprises 193 acres, all in the townland of Curry. The Land Commission recently negotiated for the purchase of this property but the owner declined to sell it. The Land Commission have decided to defer further consideration of this matter for about a year.
Is the Minister aware that this estate was offered by the owner to the Land Commission two years ago and that recently they have adjourned the matter for a year? They wrote to me saying they were adjourning the matter for a year. Is he also aware that there is likely to be unemployment in the Castlepollard forestry unit in the near future for lack of land? In view of these facts will the Minister have the matter re-examined immediately?
The Deputy seems to be under a misapprehension. The Land Commission did their best to buy this holding from the owner, but he refused to sell to them.
My information is different.
The Deputy will have to take my information as being more accurate in this case.
With your permission, Sir, I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment.